Sandercock sympathises with Cummins

Craig Sandercock has expressed sympathy for sacked Bradford coach Francis Cummins, ahead of Hull KR‘s trip to Odsal.

But the Australianwants his Hull KR team focused on the game, not issues surrounding the plight of the Bulls.

“I am disappointed for Francis as a coach but when teams change coaches there always seems to be one or two weeks where they really up the ante,” said the Hull KR coach, speaking to Hull KR TV.

“On paper they have a good squad and at their home ground they are always tough to play against so we are under no illusions.

“The forward battle is going to determine a lot tomorrow. They have a big pack with the likes of Manase Manuokafoa, Chev Walker and Adam Sidlow and we need to make sure we contain their go forward.”

Rovers’ form has dipped a little in recent weeks, with consecutive defeats to Castleford and Warrington.

Sandercock wants a win against Bradford to get his side’s season back on track.

“We are still really confident and it is amazing what a win would do for us.  We are really positive of a big year and that starts again tomorrow night,” he said.

“In the last couple of weeks our defence hasn’t been good enough and there was a number of reasons for that.

“Now we know what we need to improve and it’s just a case of getting out on to the field and doing it.”